Story By: Richard Thomas
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
In a game where the Wizards controlled most of their own destiny tonight against the Pacers, well the ending was anything but controlled.
Just as they have done in previous games this year and in many previous seasons, a large fourth quarter lead sort of self destructs. Tonight John Wall and Otto Porter were not going to let this game become another one of those statistics.
Wall had 36 points and 11 rebounds, and the Wizards held off the Pacers 111-105 on Wednesday night despite losing Beal to a sprained right ankle.
Wall, who started 1 of 5 from the field, finished 11 of 19 and scored 23 points in the second half.
“I was just still trying to be aggressive, but get everybody involved,” Wall said.
For a second straight game, Porter also made a huge difference in the end result with a 22 point night including a huge three pointer to give the Wizards a 5 point lead with under a minute to play.
If numbers is your game, then pay attention to their record. The Wizards are 8-3 in their last 11 games, and have won seven straight at home. They’re within a game of .500 for the first time since losing their opener en route to a 2-8 start.
“This is a classic example of how we have to continue to play,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. “When some guy is out, next guy has to step up and give us some minutes.”
